Danny Davis, the 83-year-old dean of Illinois’ U.S. House delegation and a voice for progressive politics for decades, announced Thursday that he will not seek election to a 16th term representing his downtown and West Side district — the latest move in a generational change sweeping the state’s and nation’s political scene.

Davis also announced his endorsement of veteran state Rep. La Shawn Ford in a budding primary contest to succeed him for the Democratic nomination in March. Ford had announced his congressional bid in May but said he would not run if Davis had sought another term. With his announcement Thursday that he wasn’t running for reelection, Davis will serve as chairman of Ford’s campaign.

“I just decided that this would be a good time, this would be a great time to try and u

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